The Expert Case for No Naps

I took
away my toddler's nap so he'd sleep better at night. Is that OK? I know people
say, " My kid needs a nap. He's
a monster if he doesn't nap," but I'd rather fight with a cranky toddler
in the daytime than at night. I'm convinced taking away the nap is the best
thing for all of us!

Mama No Naps

Dear MNN,

You're
on to something here. The choice to take away the nap involves fitting together
a few puzzle pieces, but sometimes it's the best route. When my partner and I
do sleep consultations, we have to ask a lot of questions to figure out if
napping is a good idea for a particular toddler.

So let
me ask you some: Is your toddler at least 2 ½-years-old? I've never found
myself recommending a child younger than this go without a daytime sleep.

There isn't one standard "right answer" about preschool napping ...

Next
question: are you able to commit to a very early bedtime? A non-napper needs to
say goodnight early (7 p.m. works well), after a good bedtime routine that
can take 45 minutes or so. Not every family can be home early enough on a
regular basis to make this possible. Napping at daycare, pre-school or at home
allows a toddler to stay up later (and still sleep enough overall), which is
more convenient for some parents' schedules.

Another question would be: How
does your toddler do without a nap? Moody and fragile, unable to play with
friends or have a good time in the afternoon? Or does he still seem pretty
happy and together?